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In California, a drug crime conviction can give you a criminal record, cost you thousands in fines, and even send you to jail or state prison. Your life can be permanently damaged. Where can you turn? Experienced Los Angeles drug crime attorney, Douglas Miranda will aggressively defend you and work hard to protect your future if you face a drug charge in southern California. Douglas Miranda has more than a decade of legal experience with a wide range of misdemeanor and felony drug cases. He’s a knowledgeable Los Angeles criminal defense attorney with a documented record of success. Mr. Miranda represents clients facing a variety of criminal charges related to drugs, including but not limited to:

possession;

possession with intent to sell;

trafficking;

manufacturing;

sale and distribution; and

prescription-related drug crimes.

In recent decades, drug laws have expanded so that “drug law” is now a complex legal field. Cases are more technical and scientific, and the related legal issues generate considerable debate. In Los Angeles county, drug crimes can now include conspiracy, trafficking, and even manufacturing as well as sale and possession charges. The penalties for a drug-related crime hinge on the nature of the crime. For example, were weapons, violence, or injuries involved? The suspect’s prior convictions, and the quantity of illegal drugs involved (was the quantity suggestive of personal use or drug sales) are also taken into consideration.

CALIFORNIA DRUG LAWS

There are a number of laws that govern how drug crimes are enforced and penalized in California.

It is a felony to possess controlled substances such as cocaine, heroin, Vicodin, Oxycontin, and Xanax, with the intent to sell them to others. Possession of controlled substances with the intent to sell is punishable by up to four years in jail and a $20,000 fine. Unlike possession laws, you are not eligible for drug diversion programs in the place of jail time if you are convicted of possession with the intent to sell.

It is also a felony to possess marijuana with the intent to sell it to others. If you are convicted of this crime, you may face up to three years in county jail.

In order to prove that you had the intent to sell, prosecutors must show that you had “indicia of sale,” which can include:

Scales;

A large amount of cash, especially bills in small denominations;

Packaging the drug in small bags;

Evidence that a lot of people were visiting you but only staying for a few minutes; and

Excessively large quantities of the controlled substance that could not possibly be consumed by one person.

But, possession with the intent to sell is not the only drug crime that you can be charged with in California. Possession of drugs, even without the intent to sell, is illegal in California.

It is illegal in California to have controlled substances, a crime known as possession of controlled substances. Controlled substances can include narcotics and illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin and LSD, but it also includes prescription drugs that are illegally in your possession such as Vicodin, Oxycontin, Valium and Xanax. Possession of a controlled substance is usually a misdemeanor and punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. It is possible, but not guaranteed, that you will receive a drug diversion program instead of being sentenced to jail.

Methamphetamines are not covered under the possession of a controlled substance law, however it is still illegal to have them. Methamphetamines include any anabolic steroid, GHB, PCP, ketamine and other stimulants. Simple possession of methamphetamines, which means you did not have the intent to sell the drugs, is usually a misdemeanor and may be punished by up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If the drugs were solely for your use, you may be eligible to go through a drug diversion program in place of jail time, however this is never a guarantee.

Possession of marijuana is also illegal in California, that is, unless you are legally permitted to use it medicinally. If you are found in possession of 28.5 grams or less of marijuana, this is an infraction and punishable by a $100 fine. If you have more than 28.5 grams of marijuana, it is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to six months in county jail and a $500 fine. Concentrated cannabis possession can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor charge of concentrated cannabis possession, you could face up to one year in county jail and a $500 fine. If you are convicted of a felony concentrated cannabis possession, you could face up to three years in jail, but no fine.

This is not an exhaustive list of drug laws in California. There are many more drug laws in the state of California, and all of them carry severe consequences that could affect you for the rest of your life. If you have been charged with a drug crime, contact an experienced Los Angeles drug crimes lawyer as soon as possible.

A DECADE OF EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION

If you are charged with any drug crime, you need a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney – Los Angeles drug crime attorney Douglas Miranda. Although there is never a guarantee in any particular criminal case, sometimes the charges can be dropped or reduced in drug cases and you’ll face fewer consequences. Even if the evidence is overwhelming and you’re convicted, Los Angeles drug crime lawyer, Douglas Miranda will negotiate for leniency and alternative sentencing. For over a decade, he’s effectively represented clients facing drug charges in Los Angeles and across southern California.

WE ARE READY TO HELP

If you’ve been charged with any drug crime or drug-related crime in southern California, put an experienced Los Angeles drug crime defense attorney to work for you. After assessing your case, Douglas Miranda will explain your legal alternatives and present the most effective possible defense.

At the Miranda Rights Law Firm, we take our responsibility to clients seriously, and we put our experience to work for you. To schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Los Angeles drug crime attorney, send an email, or call 213-255-5838. Se habla español.

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Client Testimonials

I hired Douglas Miranda to represent my son who was facing a 50 to life sentence for attempted murder and after almost a year of fighting my sons case Mr. Miranda got my son a great deal. Both my wife and I are very grateful that our son will not be in prison for the rest of his life. Mr. Miranda was very professional and his staff very polite, they always answered whatever questions I had and Mr. Miranda always returned my calls promptly.

J.V. Homicide Case

I was facing jail time because of a third violation of probation due to a DUI and Mr. Miranda was able to get the judge to let me do AA meetings instead and when I finished them and Mr. Miranda presented them to the judge he dismissed my case. I’m so grateful because of my immigration status I didn’t want to go to jail and possibly face deportation.

J.M.V. Probation Violation Case

Our son got into some trouble last year and was arrested. He was looking at some serious charges so we called the law office of Douglas Miranda and retained his services. We are glad that we did because our son was facing 30+ years in a state penitentiary and Mr. Miranda got him such an amazing deal that we could not even believe it. Our son will be coming home sooner than any of us would have anticipated.

R.O.

Earlier this year I was arrested and my cousin retained the services of Douglas Miranda, instead of me getting sentenced to prison for 8 years, as the crime that I committed required, I got probation and was let got. I am very happy with this outcome because i get to be home with my family thanks to Mr. Miranda. I honestly recommend his services to anyone who needs legal help.

M.R.P.

My son was facing a lengthy mandatory state prison sentence and has an extensive criminal history, which did not help him. I hired Mr. Miranda and he immediately started working on his case. Instead of my son going to prison for his crime, Mr. Miranda got the judge to sentence my son, not to state prison but to a rehabilitation center. When I heard the judge read the sentencing, I could not help but be brought to tears. I am forever thankful to Mr. Miranda and his staff for helping me with my son.

R.N.

I had the misfortune of dating the wrong kind of guy, and for being naïve it almost cost me a life sentence in prison because I was associated with him. I have 4 children all under the age of 10 and the thought of having to see them through prison visits is unbearable. My mother hired Douglas Miranda to fight my case and fought he did. He got the charged that was making me face life dismissed and from there he was able to get me probation. I was released a few days later and I got to go home to my children. Thank you Mr. Miranda for fighting my case and for bringing a mother home to her children.

C.H.

My family hired the Miranda Rights Law Firm to represent me with the charges that were brought upon me and I am grateful that they did. Douglas Miranda, my attorney visited me many times in jail and answered all of my questions. When my case went to trial he got me a hung jury. 10 days later the DA dismissed all of the charges against me and I was set free. Thank you Mr. Miranda for all that you did for me.

D.C.

I have never been in trouble with the law, and when I was attacked, I was the one who ended up with charges of assault. So I hired the law offices of Douglas Miranda and he was able to prove to the jury that I had acted in self-defense and was acquitted of all charges. Mr. Miranda is very professional and knows how to win. I wish you the best of luck Mr. Miranda.

M.S. Assault & Battery Case

Last year I was charged with domestic violence so I retained the services of the Miranda Rights Law Firm. The charges brought against me were a misdemeanor and because of my job I could not have that on my record. Mr. Miranda was able to get me off with an infraction and this incident was dismissed. If you are looking for an attorney that will fight for you, then Douglas Miranda and his law firm Miranda Rights Law Firm is where you want to go.

M.B. Domestic Violence Case

I was arrested for petty theft and the judge wanted to lock me up. Mr. Miranda got the judge to agree to probation and community service instead. I’m very happy with the outcome of my case and Mr. Miranda’s services. I am glad that he fought hard to keep me out of jail. I am also grateful to his staff who answered all of my questions about my community service and my probation.

S.M. Petty Theft Case

There are no words to thank Douglas Miranda for his hard work. I was facing serious jail time because I was accused of resisting arrest. The date that trail was supposed to start, Douglas got me off with an infraction, disturbing the peace.

A.O. Resisting Arrest Case

My daughter was charged with theft and I called the offices of Mr. Miranda, right from the start he was very understanding and he explained to me all the details of the case. After months of him fighting for my daughter, I have to say that I am very happy with the outcome. He got the charges dismissed. This is awesome news for my daughter because she wants to be a doctor, and with this outcome that is still possible.

E.C.B. Theft Case

I had an arrest warrant and a violation of probation hearing, and was going to go to jail. Mr. Miranda argued that it would be a hardship to my mother because of her health problems, and because I am the provider. He got the judge to simply reinstate my probation and I am now back, at work thanks to him. Thank You So Much Mr. Miranda!!!!

R.S. Arrest Warrant Case

When I was charged with 6 counts of rape, by a family member, Mr. Miranda was the only one who believed in me. He was very professional when he handled my case and he explained everything to me. I was innocent and Mr. Miranda proved it in court. After 6 days of jury trial I was finally acquitted of all charges. He is the best in his game, I truly and honestly recommend him to anyone needing legal assistance.

M.R. Rape Defense Case

Our son got into some trouble last year and was arrested. He was looking at some serious charges so we called the law office of Douglas Miranda and retained his services. We are glad that we did because our son was facing 30+ years in a state penitentiary and Mr. Miranda got him such an amazing deal that we could not even believe it. Our son will be coming home sooner than any of us would have anticipated.

R.O.

Earlier this year I was arrested and my cousin retained the services of Douglas Miranda, instead of me getting sentenced to prison for 8 years, as the crime that I committed required, I got probation and was let go. I am very happy with this outcome because i get to be home with my family thanks to Mr. Miranda. I honestly recommend his services to anyone who needs legal help.

M.R.P

My son was facing a lengthy mandatory state prison sentence and has an extensive criminal history, which did not help him. I hired Mr. Miranda and he immediately started working on his case. Instead of my son going to prison for his crime, Mr. Miranda got the judge to sentence my son, not to state prison but to a rehabilitation center. When I heard the judge read the sentencing, I could not help but be brought to tears. I am forever thankful to Mr. Miranda and his staff for helping me with my son.

R.N

I had the misfortune of dating the wrong kind of guy, and for being naïve it almost cost me a life sentence in prison because I was associated with him. I have 4 children all under the age of 10 and the thought of having to see them through prison visits is unbearable. My mother hired Douglas Miranda to fight my case and fought he did. He got the charged that was making me face life dismissed and from there he was able to get me probation. I was released a few days later and I got to go home to my children. Thank you Mr. Miranda for fighting my case and for bringing a mother home to her children.

C.H.

My family hired the Miranda Rights Law Firm to represent me with the charges that were brought upon me and I am grateful that they did. Douglas Miranda, my attorney visited me many times in jail and answered all of my questions. When my case went to trial he got me a hung jury. 10 days later the DA dismissed all of the charges against me and I was set free. Thank you Mr. Miranda for all that you did for me.

D.C.

I have never been in trouble with the law, and when I was attacked, I was the one who ended up with charges of assault. So I hired the law offices of Douglas Miranda and he was able to prove to the jury that I had acted in self-defense and was acquitted of all charges. Mr. Miranda is very professional and knows how to win. I wish you the best of luck Mr. Miranda.

M.S. Assault Case

Last year I was charged with domestic violence so I retained the services of the Miranda Rights Law Firm. The charges brought against me were a misdemeanor and because of my job I could not have that on my record. Mr. Miranda was able to get me off with an infraction and this incident was dismissed. If you are looking for an attorney that will fight for you, then Douglas Miranda and his law firm Miranda Rights Law Firm is where you want to go.

M.B. Domestic Violence Case

I was arrested for petty theft and the judge wanted to lock me up. Mr. Miranda got the judge to agree to probation and community service instead. I’m very happy with the outcome of my case and Mr. Miranda’s services. I am glad that he fought hard to keep me out of jail. I am also grateful to his staff who answered all of my questions about my community service and my probation.

S.M. Petty Theft Case

There are no words to thank Douglas Miranda for his hard work. I was facing serious jail time because I was accused of resisting arrest. The date that trail was supposed to start, Douglas got me off with an infraction, disturbing the peace.

A.O. Resisting Arrest Case

My daughter was charged with theft and I called the offices of Mr. Miranda, right from the start he was very understanding and he explained to me all the details of the case. After months of him fighting for my daughter, I have to say that I am very happy with the outcome. He got the charges dismissed. This is awesome news for my daughter because she wants to be a doctor, and with this outcome that is still possible.

E.C.B. Theft Case

I had an arrest warrant and a violation of probation hearing, and was going to go to jail. Mr. Miranda argued that it would be a hardship to my mother because of her health problems, and because I am the provider. He got the judge to simply reinstate my probation and I am now back, at work thanks to him. Thank You So Much Mr. Miranda!!!!

R.S. Violation of Probation Case

When I was charged with 6 counts of rape, by a family member, Mr. Miranda was the only one who believed in me. He was very professional when he handled my case and he explained everything to me. I was innocent and Mr. Miranda proved it in court. After 6 days of jury trial I was finally acquitted of all charges. He is the best in his game, I truly and honestly recommend him to anyone needing legal assistance